The typical dances and dances of Jalisco include the son de la negra, the dance of the rattles and, especially, the jarabe from Guadalajara. The latter has become the Mexican national dance.
All these manifestations are marked by mariachi music, also native to Mexico. In general, these styles show the mixture of indigenous culture with which the Spanish conquerors led.
The state of Jalisco is part of the United Mexican States. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word "Xalisco", which means "on the sand."
It is the birthplace of charros, tequila and mariachi, all traditions that mark the cultural identity of the entire nation.
The dances can be divided into sones, syrups and dances. The first appear on the coasts during the colonial era, with indigenous and Spanish elements.
The syrup, for its part, was the most popular in the whole country. According to some theories, it comes from gypsy syrup and appears at the end of the 17th century.
The rattles represent one of the most popular dances. Sometimes the dances are related to religious celebrations.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Jalisco or its popular legends.
The 5 main dances of Jalisco
one-
There are various theories about the birth of this dance. Some think that it appeared during the revolution of 1870 and others during the viceregal era, at the end of the 18th century.
There are also several theories about its name. Certain experts point out that it comes from the word "xolot", of Arabic origin, and that it refers to a mixture of herbs. Others maintain that it alludes to the sweetness that the dancers show.
The dance is a representation of the love affair between the Mexican charro and the Chinese Puebla.
The man is the one who begins to woo her, receiving rejection. She insists again, putting her charro hat on the ground. At the end the woman accepts the hat, picks it up and covers their faces with it.
two-
The son de la negra has almost managed to displace the jarabe from Guadalajara as the most popular dance in Mexico.
This dance was performed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, although its origin is much earlier. It is one of the most typical representations of mariachi music.
According to the ethnologist Jesús Jáuregui, its roots lie in the period after Mexican independence, although elements have been added until reaching the representation that is known today.
According to some research, it is a love song dedicated to Albina Luna "La negra", a woman born in Tepic in 1911.
When dancing, the woman puts on a brightly colored skirt, while the man wears a shirt and blanket shorts.
3- The snake
This dance has an origin that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. It is noted that the indigenous people of the area performed a similar dance during their ceremonies and considered the snake as a goddess of fertility.
The first written reference to this dance is found in the works of the friar Francisco Ximénez, in 1722.
The story it represents is that of some peasants who come to defend women frightened by a nest of snakes.
At first they dodge the attacks of the animals using their hats, but in the end they are bitten and die in the arms of the females.
4- Dance of the palm
This dance is closely related to religious celebrations. It is usually performed during the festivities of the Zapopan sanctuary.
Its origin, although it has some indigenous influences, is Spanish and is more than 300 years old.
Its name comes from the fan of feathers that the dancers carry and that move to the rhythm of the music. Sometimes it can be replaced by a cross.
The dancers wear tin headdresses and shiny costumes. The instruments used are the rattles and the violin.
5-
This dance originated in the municipality of Tuxpan, although today it has spread throughout the state.
There is documentation dating from 1872 that tells how a gang of rattles was formed after an indigenous rebellion.
Its practice is linked to religious celebrations, especially those dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
The name comes from the rattles that accompany the dancers and that they sound during the performance.
These can be canes with pebbles inside or some carved cloths with tin wheels inserted in them.
References
- Mexican Dances. Jalisco. Obtained from danzasmexicanas.com
- Martinez de la Cruz, Juan Jose. the Rattles of Tuxpan, Jalisco. (March 25, 2011). Recovered from es.scribd.com
- Castañeda, Fred. The most famous dances of Jalisco: La Negra and El Jarabe Tapatio. (July 4, 2006) Retrieved from folkloricomusicdance.blogspot.com
- Claudia's Portfolio. El Son De La Negra: An Analysis of Historical and Cultural Impacts of Mariachi. Retrieved from claudiasportfolio.wordpress.com
- Sheppard Software. Mariachi. Retrieved from sheppardsoftware.com